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Get Going with Zamzar



SETTING THE STAGE


Session Overview

In this session, participants will be able to convert files from one format to another using the website Zamzar.com

Focusing Questions

How can I convert files to different formats to make it possible to use with my software?

How can I download educational videos from websites to be shown in the classroom?

Materials

The following materials are used in this session:
-Laptops
-Projector
-Zamzar Website
-Smartboard

Resources

The following resources are used in this session: Internet connection, laptop computer, and Smartboard.

INSTRUCTION

Framing the Session

Many times teachers have a document that is not compatible with the software on their computers. Recently, Microsoft released Office 2007 which uses xml file types such as .docx or xlsx. These file types will not work on older versions of Microsoft Office. However, with the website Zamzar, teachers can convert Office files to the older format to work on their computers.

In addition, Zamzar allows users to download videos from websites. This will be useful for teachers that want to show educational videos in the class and cannot find what they are looking for on United Streaming.

Teaching

Watch me as I show you how to do the following:
I am going to load the webpage Zamzar.com. Next I will convert a file from .docx to .doc to demonstrate the file conversion process. Afterwards, I will download a video to be used in the classroom.

Guided Practice

Zamzar will help teachers convert files and save time. Now teachers will be able to download educational videos at home, bring them to school, and show them to the class.


WORK TIME

Getting Started

During this time, you will convert several files from one format to another. Experiment and see which conversion works best. Also find a website that includes educational videos. Download one educational video.

“Take the next 30 minutes to complete the following steps and then we will come back together and share.”

Participant Activity

Participants will...

Go to www.zamzar.com
Step 1- Click on the browse button and select the file.
Step 2- Select the file conversion: .jpeg, .html, etc.
Step 3- Enter your email address
Step 4- Click the convert button

To download videos from a website
Click the download videos tab

Step 1- Enter web address
Step 2- Choose format to convert files: mp4, .mov, etc.
Step 3- Enter email address
Step 4- Click convert button

Facilitator Conferring

Circulate around the room and examine each of the conversions. Be sure to explain the different file types to Squad members that might be confused.

Take note of particularly good examples of work that can be presented during the Share.

SHARE

Ask selected participants to share good educational videos they downloaded from webpages.

This lesson addresses our focusing questions by showing how easy it is to convert files and download videos using Zamzar.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Author: Joseph Pascarelli
Email: jpascarelli@schools.nyc.gov
School/Employer: MS 118
Title: Technology Coach/Coordinator